Early Literacy

When you support your child’s early learning you increase their self esteem, self-competence, school adjustment and behavior in the classroom. Research shows that the best ways to promote learning at home is having books available for your children and things to play with, talking and interacting with your child, and spending quality time with them.

Children learn from listening to and telling stories from the time they are newborns and throughout their lives. Sharing stories with children helps them develop language and literacy skills and gives you an opportunity to spend special time together.

Tips for storytelling:

• Tell stories about what your life was like when you were your child’s age. Where did you live and what did it look like?
• Review the events of the day. Share stories about your day. Children are always interested in what their parents do. Ask your child to tell you about their day.
• Find an interesting picture. Ask your child to tell and write a story about the picture.
• Read picture books (books without words) with your child. Talk to your children about the pictures and allow them to make up a story.
• Play with your children while you talk about a story.

Always remember that YOU are your child’s first and most important teacher.

More Helpful Information on Literacy

Why is it important to read with your child?
List of Santa Barbara County Libraries
Good Literacy Links and Resources
Developmental Milestones of Early Literacy